US 69 Jacksonville Relief Route Study

TxDOT is developing plans for a US 69 relief route around the City of Jacksonville. The recently completed Feasibility Study determined a new-location facility on the city’s west side best meets the project’s purpose and need.

As part of the Texas Trunk System and the National Highway System, US 69 services intrastate and interstate traffic moving people and goods. The highway is also a designated hurricane evacuation route, which provides safe passage for the Gulf Coast region during an evacuation event.

Details

In 2018, TxDOT conducted a study to identify a feasible relief route alternative for the Jacksonville area. Although previous studies regarding a relief route were done, an updated study was warranted due to the population growth and changes in the surrounding land use. The Feasibility Study looked at routes on the city’s east and west sides. In 2018, TxDOT hosted public meetings on Feb. 22, May 29 and Aug. 28. Through public involvement and engineering analysis, the feasibility study recommended a western corridor. The recommendation reflects two potential tie-in points north of Jacksonville, while only endorsing one southern connection, south of Jacksonville, at the existing Loop 456. The project’s schematic and environmental phase will determine a final route alignment.

The proposed new-location facility will consist of a four-lane controlled-access divided highway with a depressed median. Current Texas Administrative Code guidelines state new- location facilities should be controlled access, meaning driveways or other access points will not connect directly to the roadway. Instead, potential interchange locations will be proposed based on traffic projections.

The project will require the acquisition of new right of way from adjacent property owners.

Get Involved

The schematic and environmental phase will include at least two public meetings and a public hearing. A new location facility requires the most stringent environmental assessment called an Environmental Impact Statement. TxDOT will analyze the potential environmental consequences of all proposed alternatives to avoid or minimize adverse impacts to natural resources and enhance the quality of the human environment, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

The first public meeting is planned for the summer of 2019. No meeting date is scheduled yet; however, it will be posted to this website as soon as it becomes available. All interested citizens will have a chance to provide input, voice concerns and ask questions.

Schedule

The project’s Feasibility Study concluded in February 2019. A copy of its summary report can be found under the ‘Downloads’ section.

The schematic and environmental phase began in March 2019. It is expected to take two to three years to complete the preliminary design. Right-of-way acquisitions will begin once the schematic and environmental assessments are complete.

Construction funding has not been identified but is likely to be a combination of federal, state and local funds. The proposed facility will not be tolled.